Today I’m not even here at my keyboard. And somehow, through the magic of the interweb, I’m still posting blog posts.
I’m not here today because it’s Super Sneaker Sunday. And that means I’m at the Sneaker Freaker World’s Greatest Swapmeet Part 2 (Melbourne), photographing the local sneaker freakettes for the upcoming book, GIRLS GOT KICKS. The book is the brainchild of Lori Lobenstine- sneaker head, creator of femalesneakerfiend.com and all-round inspirational female.
And seeing as it’s Super Sneaker Sunday, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to chew the fat with Lori…
1. Which sneakers best illustrate how you feel right now?
My new adidas Originals A.039s! I’m crazy about the color. I’m feeling ready for Spring, and these say it all (plus when I’m around the sneakerhead kids, I feel a little vintage myself!).
2. Where are you (and describe your surrounds)?
I own a house in rural Massachusetts with my identical twin. I spend half my week there and half working in Boston (if I’m not traveling). Right now I’m chilling at my work station in the kitchen, with my dog Herschel bothering me for his next meal.
3. What’s your favorite thing about where you are?
It’s super relaxing. My twin’s always been my best friend, so we have a great time when I’m home. And she supports and believes in my work more than anyone, even tho’ I used to clown her for not having cool kicks (now I always buy her sneakers for our birthday)!
4. Describe what you do.
I run femalesneakerfiend.com, the only website dedicated to girls and women who love their kicks. I also coach girls basketball and I helped found a design studio for social justice work. And I run trainings for youth workers. I guess I wear a lot of hats…
5. What influenced you to do what you do?
About 5 or 6 years ago I first got onto the whole online sneaker scene. I was really excited to meet other sneakerheads from all over, but I soon realized the sites were really male dominated, and often pretty sexist. So I wanted a way for all of us female sneaker fiends to have our own site, to meet each other, and to show guys they couldn’t sleep on our game. Hence, femalesneakerfiend. Now it’s a movement, way bigger even than my vision.
6. Who (dead or alive) would you want to work with and why?
Dead: June Jordan. (No relation to M.J.) Amazing, amazing poet who spoke up for justice and recognized how the personal was political.
Alive: Candace Parker. Best women’s basketball player in the world, and adidas has given her shit-for-kicks. I’d like to do a collab with her on a beautiful and high-performance sneaker for women, including small sizes (Tennessee orange of course!).
7. What was the last message you sent on your phone?
Telling Fee she better send me my Future Sole AJ 1 phats. You know the ones Fee!
8. What was the last song heard and what does it remind you of?
Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. It reminds me of my 5 year old goddaughter who makes her mom dress up as Jay Z so she can be Alicia Keys in their “concert”. Too funny!
9. What’s the next big thing?
Girls Got Kicks! That’s the femalesneakerfiend book I’m working on with photographer extraordinaire Amanda Lopez. We’re also excited to have Cheech as our new rep and photographer Down Under!
10. What’s 2010 about for you?
Balancing my schedule, challenging myself to get the book out, staying in touch with my friends and traveling!
What they said…